Report: Alabama names Simpson starting QB

Redshirt junior Ty Simpson will be the starting quarterback for Alabama when the Crimson Tide open the season Aug. 30 against Florida State, sources told ESPN's Chris Low.

Simpson, who was competing with Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell, was informed that he won the competition in front of teammates Monday.

The Martin, Tenn., native has seen minor playing time over the past three years at Alabama. Simpson has thrown for 381 yards and completed 58% of his pass attempts in 16 career appearances. He's also rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

Alabama held a battle among its top passers this offseason to find a successor to Jalen Milroe. The dual-threat quarterback helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 9-4 campaign in 2024 and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2023.

Simpson appeared to take the lead after spring practices when offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said that Simpson would be under center if Alabama had a game the next day, according to Tuscaloosa News' Colin Gay. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound quarterback held off challengers into summer camp, spending most of his time with the first-team offfense.